Things to do in South Portland

Find and book activities, attractions and tours

Portland Head Lighthouse
A lighthouse on a rocky outcrop by the sea, with a metal railing and a cloudy sky.
A couple standing by a railing overlooking a body of water with a cityscape in the background.
Portland Harbor aerial view from Eastern Promenade in East End, city of Portland, Maine ME, USA.
A white lighthouse on a rocky shore with a calm sea and a sunset in the background.

South Portland Attractions

Smaller cities have a charisma about them you just don't find in their larger counterparts. Make a note of all the exciting things to see and do in South Portland before you head away so you can pack the most into your escape. You'll soon see that bigger doesn't always mean better!

Discover what makes South Portland tick with some of the very best tours & day trips. Check out our top {92 fun activities in South Portland fun activities in South Portland}, and book with ease knowing that we offer free cancellation and no added fees.

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Most popular activities in South Portland

Tours & day trips

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Portland: Best of Maine Lighthouse Scenic Cruise

Portland: Best of Maine Lighthouse Scenic Cruise

Activity duration is 1 hour and 45 minutes
9.8 out of 10 with 244 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is $56 per adult
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Private & custom tours

See all 20 activities
Coastal Maine Sunset Sailing Experience - Public & Private

Coastal Maine Sunset Sailing Experience - Public & Private

Activity duration is 2 hours
10.0 out of 10 with 2 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is $149 per adult
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Food, drink & nightlife

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Portland: Casco Bay Sunset and Lighthouse Cruise

Portland: Casco Bay Sunset and Lighthouse Cruise

Activity duration is 1 hour and 45 minutes
9.6 out of 10 with 45 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is $59 per adult
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Adventure & outdoor

See all 6 activities
Lighthouse Bicycle Tour from South Portland with 4 Lighthouses

Lighthouse Bicycle Tour from South Portland with 4 Lighthouses

Activity duration is 3 hours
9.8 out of 10 with 68 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is $115 per adult
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Recommended things to do in South Portland

Number of things to do
92
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Audio Guided Walking Tour from Old Port of Portland, Maine: $8
Top 5 things to do
Under $25
With kids

What to do in South Portland

Free Things to Do in South Portland

There's no need to give your credit card a workout in South Portland. The following won't cost a cent.

Casco Bay Bridge - This popular local landmark is a terrific backdrop for a selfie or two.

Fort Preble - Stroll around this historic attraction and find out some secrets from times past.

Willard Beach - Skip rocks along the water, watch the sun rise or just take in the views from the foreshore.

Things to Do in South Portland with Kids

South Portland boasts plenty of close by fun experiences for you and the kids. Our family friendly experiences will keep the crew happy for hours.

 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in South Portland? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

 

 

Discover the most popular places to visit in South Portland

A white lighthouse on a rocky shore with a calm sea and a sunset in the background.

Bug Light

You can find out about the history of South Portland with a visit to Bug Light. Experience the area's great live music and acclaimed theater scene.

Bug Light
Southern Maine Community College

Southern Maine Community College

Walk around the campus at Southern Maine Community College as part of your travels around South Portland. Amble around this family-friendly area's waterfront and enjoy its top-notch restaurants.

Southern Maine Community College
Fort Preble

Fort Preble

On the South Portland waterfront, survey the scene of the Battle of Portland Harbor, which is the only known Civil War conflict fought in Maine.

Fort Preble
Venetian Masks

Lyric Music Theater

You can enjoy a show at Lyric Music Theater during your trip to South Portland. Experience the area's great live music or attend a sporting event.

Lyric Music Theater

Maine Mall

You can do some window-shopping at Maine Mall during your visit to South Portland. Experience the area's entertainment choices and great live music.

Maine Mall

Willard Beach

Why not spend a carefree afternoon at Willard Beach during your travels in South Portland?

Willard Beach

South Portland Historical Society Museum

You can spend an afternoon exploring the galleries in South Portland Historical Society Museum during your travels in South Portland. Experience the area's entertainment choices and acclaimed theater scene.

South Portland Historical Society Museum

Maine Military Museum

You can spend an afternoon exploring the galleries in Maine Military Museum during your travels in South Portland. Experience the area's acclaimed theater scene and great live music.

Maine Military Museum

Where to stay in South Portland

Find the best South Portland areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about South Portland
Learn more about South Portland
Panoramic view of the harbor of Portland, Maine, New England, USA

Knightville

When in Knightville, you can plan a visit to Lyric Music Theater and Victoria Mansion, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Bug Light

Willard Beach

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Willard Beach and surrounding area, you can visit Willard Beach and Fort Preble.

Ferry Village

While there might not be top attractions in Ferry Village, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Willard Beach and Casco Bay Lines Ferry Terminal.

Photo by Karen Rinaldo-green
Open Photo by Karen Rinaldo-green

Willard

While Willard might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Lyric Music Theater and Willard Beach.

Bug light lighthouse in Portland, Maine at sunset as a sailboat sails into the harbor

Meetinghouse Hill

While Meetinghouse Hill isn't home to many top sights, Willard Beach and Portland Museum of Art are some notable places to visit nearby.

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Popular day trips from South Portland

Scarborough

Scarborough

Rocky shores of the Maine Coast, Fort Williams Park, Cape Elizabeth, Maine, New England, USA

Cape Elizabeth

Ice Disk, Westbrook, Maine

Westbrook

Portland

Portland

Frequently asked questions

Is South Portland worth visiting?
South Portland has an interesting mix of culture, local charm and attractions. Whether you're into the outdoors, history or traditional food, there's plenty here to enjoy.
How do I spend a day in South Portland?
Once you've visited popular attractions like Higgins Beach and East End Beach, spend some time discovering the food and retail options in South Portland.
What is the top tourist attraction in South Portland?
You can't leave without checking out State Theatre, ranked the top tourist attraction in South Portland.
Is three days enough to stay in South Portland?
Three days will be enough time to tick off the leading city attractions, including State Theatre, Higgins Beach and Portland Museum of Art. The average stay in South Portland is two days. If you have the urge to extend your getaway, Portland isn't far away.
Is South Portland a walkable city?
That depends on what you plan to see and do in South Portland. Several key sights, like State Theatre and Portland Museum of Art, are accessible on foot. If you're up for a wander through some of South Portland's best neighborhoods, Downtown Portland is 1 mile away from downtown, while Old Port is 1 mile away from the center and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in South Portland with kids?
Planning what to do in South Portland with kids has never been so easy. Whether you're vacationing with teenagers or toddlers, there are loads of family-friendly attractions to keep them entertained here.

What to do in South Portland for adults?
Whether you're a culture enthusiast, food lover or outdoor adventurer, there are lots of things to do in South Portland for adults including Portland Exposition Building and Portland Club.
Are there free things to do in South Portland?
In South Portland, Higgins Beach is an unmissable spot for anyone planning to see the city without opening their wallet. Also, stroll around the parks and other neighborhoods, and ask a local tour guide for recommendations. It's an easy way to find out about the best free things to do in South Portland.

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